18-year-old Jarkarius Ellis and 19-year-old Ricky Farrow were charged with lewd and lascivious battery on a victim under 16. The Sheriff’s Office said that the two men picked up the girl on Friday to hang out at Farrow’s home on Daphne Street. They planned to smoke marijuana together.
However, while in the home, the two men engaged in sexual activity with the 14-year-old at the same time. Deputies said that they both confessed to the crime in interviews. Both men have since been released on $10,000 bail each.
New Port Richey Sexual Battery Laws
Lewd and lascivious battery is also referred to as ‘statutory rape’ under Florida law. Every year across the entire state, 7,537 individuals are forcibly raped in these serious crimes. Sexual offenses were reported 10,732 times in 2015 alone. Sexual crimes are seen as the most devious, severe crimes in the eyes of the law, which means that you might be prosecuted to the fullest extent. This is especially true when a crime involves a child victim.At Musca Law, we have made it our priority to ensure that our clients are well-informed about their rights and the process of the criminal law system throughout the entire process. We want to make sure that you are part of every decision and know your rights under Florida law and will work to determine if you have a strong case that we can provide a winning defense for. Our attorneys will use all of their experience and knowledge to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
We understand that it can be scary to face criminal charges, especially for serious sexual crimes in Florida. If you live in the Lakeland area and need legal help during this difficult time, we want to provide you with the individual attention you deserve. Contact us today to speak with us about your case at (888) 484-5057.
Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that is incorrect to your knowledge, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.
Disclaimer: As members of the local Naples and broader Florida community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.